A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck near Nepal’s Lobuche early Tuesday morning, triggering widespread panic and prompting residents to flee their homes. The tremors, which occurred at 6:35 AM IST, were felt across North India, including Bihar and the Delhi-NCR region, as well as parts of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The quake has brought back memories of past disasters, but no casualties have been reported so far. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as aftershocks continue to ripple through the region.
Earthquake in Nepal: Details on the 7.1 Magnitude Quake
Early Tuesday morning, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 7.1 magnitude earthquake northeast of Lobuche, Nepal. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers and shook areas across the Nepal-China border. Residents described the quake as intense, causing them to evacuate their homes for open spaces. In India, Bihar’s Patna, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, and Muzaffarpur districts reported feeling the impact of the tremors.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the earthquake’s specifics in a social media post:
“EQ of M: 7.1, On: 07/01/2025 06:35:18 IST, Lat: 28.86 N, Long: 87.51 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Xizang.”
Multiple Earthquakes in Xizang Region
On the same morning, Tibet’s Xizang region experienced a series of earthquakes, as recorded by NCS. These quakes, identical in magnitude and timing to the one in Nepal, included several aftershocks that intensified the situation. A 4.7 magnitude quake was reported at 7:02 AM, followed by a 4.9 quake at 7:07 AM and a 5.0 quake at 7:13 AM. The aftershocks occurred at depths ranging from 7 to 30 kilometers, heightening concerns about further seismic activity.
Residents Share Their Experiences
The tremors left residents shaken and searching for safety. Meera Adhikari, a local from Nepal, shared her ordeal:
“I was sleeping at the time when the earthquake struck. The bed was shaking, and I thought my child was moving the bed. I didn’t pay that much attention, but the shaking of the window prompted me to think that it’s an earthquake. I then hurriedly called my child and evacuated the house and came to the open ground. I am still shaking out of fear and am in shock.”
No Casualties Reported So Far
Despite the intensity of the quake, no casualties have been reported. Authorities are conducting assessments and providing updates to ensure public safety.
Remembering Nepal’s Tragic 2015 Earthquake
Nepal’s history with devastating earthquakes remains etched in memory. In 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction, claiming nearly 9,000 lives and damaging over a million structures. The recent quake has reignited concerns about preparedness and the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Tuesday’s earthquake has once again highlighted the need for robust disaster management systems in the region. While no casualties have been reported yet, the memories of the 2015 earthquake serve as a grim reminder of the potential devastation. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as aftershocks continue. Are we truly equipped to handle such natural disasters in the future?
